Pep Guardiola hails ‘perfect’ Leeds United success with Kalvin Phillips as he admits failure to match it at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has admitted his inability to replicate Marcelo Bielsa’s success at Leeds United with Kalvin Phillips since his move to the Etihad, although he’d “love” to have done so.
The all-conquering Manchester City boss said on 26 September ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup tie with Newcastle, as per BBC Sport, that the former Whites manager gave the England midfielder the “best” version of himself and had created a “perfect” style of play at Elland Road.
Phillips is set to start for just the fifth time under the Spaniard at St. James’ Park following his £45million exit from his boyhood club two summers ago with Rodri suspended, having rejected a move away this summer.
Guardiola said: “Marcelo gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career. I’d love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him. We have our own specific way to play and [he] sometimes struggles in a few things, while the previous [Leeds playing style] was perfect [for him].
“The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes. He said ‘no, I want to stay’.
“We brought Kalvin here for his quality. He is open minded, always wants to learn and wants to help. This is what we want to try to do.”
Marriage made in heaven
It’s hard to begrudge Phillips his move to City to play under Guardiola, and in terms of medals won it has been a clear success as he was present for their treble win last term.
But the 27-year-old has gone from being one of the first names on the team sheet for the Whites to barely featuring, making only 24 appearances so far and largely off the bench late on.
Leeds United fans will never forget him at his best as the hub of Bielsa’s side but in less than two years the club has changed so much as to almost be unrecognisable, which will remain a source of sadness for many.
Bielsa himself is long-gone and now in charge of Uruguay despite attempts from Everton and Bournemouth to bring him back to England, while Leeds are now on their second iteration of midfield replacements for Phillips and back in the Championship.
Tyler Adams was briefly his heir apparent but the American international only lasted a year at Elland Road before leaving for the Cherries this summer.
In an overall sense it is now Ethan Ampadu that is probably carrying the torch, although in terms of Leeds United roots it may ultimately be 17-year-old Archie Gray who grows into Phillips’ fan-favourite role.
In other Leeds United news, a player the club wanted to sign for millions is set to be available for free and is eyeing a move to England.